Watersheds: What's next? Trees!

Your kids have accomplished a few simple projects and are clamoring for something more involved.  The answer depends on the site. But many properties could benefit by having more trees.  Tree planting is a good fall project.  Trees mitigate excess stormwater runoff and often are front and center in mitigation or restoration projects.  Talk to the local forester and get advice.  What species of tree?  Where is it best suited?  How big of a hole?   How many?  Do they need to be staked?  What can we do to protect the tree from deer? How do we notify utilities?  Do we have to?  See?  Call the Division of Forestry and say, "Could I get advice before my Co-op plants trees?"

Meet with your Co-op and start by asking the kids what types of trees they had in mind and where they want to put them.  See if the Forester can meet with all of you at the same time to go over ideas.  Chances are the forester will recommend planting natives, which are hardier.  The best location depends on the tree.  For example, a native black willow likes water.

Once you've selected the type of tree, it's availability, and the location for planting, make a plan.  In your plans include a call to the utilities, a trip to the nursery, a place to store the trees temporarily before planting, a date, and tools.  (Ask volunteers to mark their shovels and rakes!)  Stage an area with the trees and tools before planting.  Have the kids bring water and clean clothes to change into after the planting!  Have a ball!  You're going to be amazed how much the kids appreciate this project.